Clicky

2023 Guide To The Best Online Masters in Graphic Design

College Resources

Ready to start your journey?

Online Schools Guide

Graphic design is the art and science of creating visual content that is needed to communicate ideas, messages, and information to a specific audience. This is the use of typography, shapes, colors, images, and other visual elements to create designs that can be used in a variety of different media, such as print, digital, and social media.

Graphic designers can use their creativity as well as their technical skills. They create logos for companies and individuals, design websites, create packaging for certain brands, produce posters, create brochures, and design other marketing materials. Graphic designers work closely with their clients so that they can understand their specific needs as well as their goals and who their target audience is. This is important so the graphic designer can create designs that will convey the correct message that the company or organization is wanting to send to its target audience.

A very good graphic design will not only be esthetically pleasing but it will also be very functional and easy for people to understand. It is a design that should engage the viewer while communicating a specific message very effectively and clearly. Graphic design is a very important part of the fields of marketing, branding, and communication and is imperative for a strong visual identity for any organization or business.

Online Master’s In Graphic Design

An online Master’s in Graphic Design program is a great opportunity for students who want to increase their skills and knowledge in the graphic design field of study. An online program allows students to have much more flexibility than traditional in-person classes do. It means that they can do their coursework any time of the night or day that is convenient for them. They can even work around full or part-time jobs and their other responsibilities that they have in their lives.

An online master’s in graphic design program will teach students an array of different topics, including branding, user experience design, typography, and web design. Students will also have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas of graphic design, such as animation, photography, or illustration.

Students in an online master’s degree program in graphic design are able to interact with their instructors and fellow students through virtual classrooms as well as online discussions and collaborative style projects.

Graduates with an online master’s degree in graphic design can embark on careers in a variety of different fields, such as publishing, web development, advertising, and much more. Digital communication is becoming increasingly more important in today’s society, so graduates gaining these types of skills will have an edge over the competition in the job market.

What Does The Curriculum And Courses For An Online Master’s In Graphic Design Look Like?

An online master’s degree in graphic design program will encompass a variety of foundational courses along with specialized coursework and hands-on projects that are created to help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to become very successful graphic designers.

When it comes to foundational courses, many different topics are covered in a master’s degree in graphic design program. Some of those topics include color theory, the history of graphic design, design theory, and typography. Students can specialize in certain areas of graphic design, including branding, web design, digital illustration, user experience design, and motion graphics.

Most master’s degree in graphic design programs will require students to complete several hands-on projects. For example, students may participate in creating a branding campaign for a certain company or even designing a website. This will allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical ways. Students can even take elective courses or special concentrations in the graphic design field, such as data visualization and package design.

Graphic designer development process drawing sketch design creative Ideas draft Logo product trademark label brand artwork. Graphic designer studio Concept.

What Type Of Certifications And Licenses Are Available For An Online Master’s In Graphic Design

Many students may opt to take certification and licensing programs within the master’s degree in graphic design program. This is because certifications can help students demonstrate their proficiency level when it comes to a specific technology or skill, such as Adobe Creative Suite or web design.

There are several pretty common certification programs students can enroll in, including Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) and Certified Web Designer (CWD) certifications. By earning these certifications during their master’s degree in graphic design program, graduates will have an even bigger edge over the competition when applying for a variety of jobs. Certifications and licenses will also look great on a graduate designer’s resume, which will also make them more competitive in the job market. Many employers see licenses and certifications as an example that the job candidate’s dedication to graphic design is higher than that of others.

Keep in mind, though, that students should do their research and evaluate which particular certifications and licenses are really necessary to propel them to higher levels in their careers. This is due to the fact that not all certifications and licenses are as important to potential employers as others are.

What Is The Admissions Process For An Online Master’s In Graphic Design?

When it comes to being admitted into an online master’s degree in graphic design program, many students will be required to at least have earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a similar field, such as visual arts or communication. Some colleges and universities may still consider students who hold bachelor’s degrees in other areas that are not related to graphic design also.

Most students who want to enter into an online master’s degree program will need to complete an application for the college or university of their choice. They will probably need to submit their transcripts along with a resume and a statement of purpose. Some colleges and universities also require students to submit letters of recommendation and even a portfolio of their work.

Some graphic design programs may require students to take an entrance exam before their application can be approved. This allows university or college officials to determine the skill and knowledge level of the student to see if they are ready to enter into a master’s degree in graphic design program.

Is College Accreditation Important?

It is extremely important for students who want to continue their education to ensure that the college or university they apply to attend is accredited.

College accreditation is basically a process in which an independent organization assesses and validates the level of quality of a college or university’s academic programs. They also evaluate the college or university’s facilities, faculty, and administrative procedures. For students, accreditation means that a college or university has met certain standards of educational excellence.

Accreditation is important for several reasons. First of all, accreditation ensures students, employers, and the public in general that a college or university has met certain standards of academic excellence and quality faculty. This is very important for students who are considering transferring their credits to another college or university or who want to apply for graduate school. Accreditation of a college or university can also affect whether or not a student can apply for financial aid or be eligible for certain types of employment.

Accreditation is important for colleges and universities when it comes to federal funding and if they want to be recognized by professional organizations. Also, without accreditation, a college or university may very well not be able to offer certain degrees or programs and students may not be eligible to obtain certain licenses or certifications. Overall, it is very important for students to choose a college or university that has been accredited to be on the safe side.

logo design brand designer sketch graphic drawing creative creativity draw studying work tablet concept – stock image

How To Finance Your Online Master’s In Graphic Design

Financing a master’s degree in graphic design program is a very important thing students should consider before applying. There are many financial aid grants that are available as well as scholarship opportunities for students that can help with tuition as well as other expenses, such as living expenses or books.

Students can also take out a student loan that has a low-interest rate and flexible repayment options. Students can also go to a private lender who can loan money for graduate students specifically. Grants are the best option, since students do not need to repay them. In other words, all students should apply for the federal Pell Grant just in case they are eligible.

Scholarships are a great way for students to finance their master’s degree program in graphic design. Most colleges and universities offer scholarships, as do many different organizations throughout the United States. These scholarships can help students offset the cost of tuition as well as books and other expenses. Students should research and apply for as many scholarships as possible and as soon as they can when they decide to apply to college.

Do I Need To Take The GRE To Enroll In An Online Master’s In Graphic Design?

The GRE (Graduate Records Examination) general test is designed to assess the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that students possess when they are applying to a certain program at a college or university. This helps administrative officials determine if a student has the skills and knowledge he or she needs to be successful in a certain program. In this case, it would mean that the student needs to possess skills and knowledge related to graphic design. Keep in mind, though, that not all colleges and universities require students to take the GRE general test for admittance into their graphic design program. It completely depends on which college or university you apply to as to whether or not you will need to take this type of test. This is due to the fact that some universities and colleges will require the GRE while others may not.

The GRE is a standardized test that is simply used as a tool for graduate school admissions and some other programs at certain universities and colleges.

Graphic designer drawing on graphics tablet at workplace

How Long Does It Take To Get An Online Master’s In Graphic Design?

Normally, a master’s degree in graphic design program can take around two years to complete. For students who earned their master’s degree in graphic design fully online, it may not take as long. This is due to the fact that students can work at their own individual pace while working around their family responsibilities and full or part-time employment. Some colleges and universities even offer accelerated programs for students who want to earn their degrees online. This means that they can complete their program in one year to 18 months, which is considerably less time than the normal amount it takes others. If a program requires a certain type of project or thesis at the end, it may take students a little longer before they can graduate with their master’s degree in graphic design.

 1. Liberty University

As visual communication becomes increasingly more interactive, there is a growing need for skilled graphic designers to be able to achieve goals and meet the needs of a variety of corporations as well as small businesses and entrepreneurs. Liberty University offers a 100 percent fully online Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design degree that was created to help students succeed within the visual and arts communication industry.

2. Arizona State University

When it comes to graphic information technology, Arizona State University is on top of things by offering a comprehensive graphic information technology master’s degree program. This program addresses the elements of the programs and technology that are needed to create graphic designs while also producing those designs and publishing and printing them. This program is great for students who want to expand their knowledge and skill levels in the field of graphic design.

3. Radford University

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art-Design Thinking graduate degree program at Radford University is 100 percent fully online. This terminal degree graduate program will provide students with in-depth experiences that they will need to be able to solve in the real world. Students can participate in interdisciplinary teams while using their creativity and multifaceted design methodologies to be able to address international issues.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design

The Savannah College of Art and Design prepares students to tell visual stories with SCAD graphic design skills and knowledge. Students will learn all of the facets of visual identities that power today’s top labels, organizations, and companies. Graduates will become artists as well as storytellers and we’ll know how to weave entrepreneurship and modern technology together to create user-centered or product-centered designs.

5. Minneapolis College of Art and Design

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design offers a master’s degree in graphic design program that is available for students to complete fully online. It is a great program for working adults who need the flexibility that an online master’s degree in graphic design program offers. Students will attend virtual meetings and will participate in class discussions, critiques, and even community-building exercises with peers as well as instructors and visiting designers. The coursework in this program will cover a variety of topics, such as typography, ideation, web design, research, design principles, and many more.

Top view.Designer in Scottish shirt, Graphic creative working on Mouse pen,laptop in office

Is An Online Master’s In Graphic Design Difficult?

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to how difficult a master’s degree in graphic design program will be for students. It will depend on many factors, such as a student’s background, his or her learning style, their level of dedication, and how well they manage their time. A master’s degree in graphic design will take a lot of time and effort and will involve completing complex assignments, collaborating with other students and teachers, and attending all online lectures.

Students who enter into an online program to earn their master’s degree in graphic design will need to be very self-motivated and disciplined when it comes to their studies. This is because they will not have the same level of in-person interaction and support that students in a traditional classroom setting will receive. The students should already have a solid understanding of graphic design principles, graphic design techniques, and software programs to be able to succeed in this type of program.

Ultimately, with the correct mindset and the right level of dedication and support, an online master’s degree in graphic design is very obtainable for students and can be a very rewarding experience. It will provide students with opportunities to increase their skills, expand their knowledge, and improve their career prospects in the field of graphic design.

Is Graphic Design A Difficult Career?

A career in graphic design can be challenging but very rewarding at the same time. It requires graduates to utilize their technical skills and business knowledge combined with their creativity to become successful. Students will need to develop a deep understanding of a variety of design principles as well as typography, color theory, and user experience. Graphic designers also need to keep up with the latest software and design trends that are happening in their field.

One of the most challenging parts of a career in graphic design is being able to balance the demands of a client with the graduate’s own artistic vision. Many times, clients have specific requirements that must be met that may conflict with the graphic designer’s creative ideas. It will be up to the graphic designer to create a way to come to a happy medium between the two.

Test print paper page with colour test design fantail and magnifying glass lying at worktable for further promotion closeup

What Type Of Job Can You Get With An Online Master’s In Graphic Design

By obtaining an online master’s degree in graphic design, graduates will be able to apply for a variety of different career opportunities in which they can use their advanced skills and knowledge. Graduates can work in a variety of different industries, including web design, advertising, and marketing.

Some possible career opportunities include becoming an art director or a UX/UI designer. An art director is responsible for overseeing and managing a team of designers that are responsible for creating visual content for a variety of media platforms. A UX/UI director uses interfaces and experiences for websites as well as software programs and mobile applications.

Graduates can also secure jobs as creative directors, web designers, brand identity designers, and many others.

The job outlook for graduates who have earned a master’s degree in graphic design is pretty good since the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2.6 percent employment growth rate for graphic designers between the years 2021 and 2031. During that time period, it is estimated that there will be about 6,800 new jobs opening up in the field of graphic design. Graphic designers are basically visual storytellers who can illustrate information by hand as well as with the help of specific computer software. Graduates will be able to find employment in a variety of different industries, including marketing, publishing, web design, and advertising.

What Is The Future Of Graphic Design?

The field of graphic design is constantly growing, evolving, and adapting to new technologies as well as new design trends. With the sudden rise of artificial intelligence, designers will have access to many new tools and will be able to automate many repetitive tasks to help them become more focused on their creativity and strategic thinking skills.

When it comes to interactive and immersive design, graphic designers will be able to create experiences that engage and captivate users. There will be more virtual reality that will play larger roles in the future of graphic design as designers create 3-D environments and experiences that users will eventually be able to check out in real time.

Since the demand for skilled graphic designers is expected to grow over the next decade, it is important for graduates to focus on online marketing as well as digital media. This is because there is a growing need for graphic designers who can create very engaging visual contact for a variety of social media platforms.

With a master’s degree in graphic design, graduates will be able to advance to leadership positions at design firms or even become self-employed and open their own businesses as freelance graphic designers. A master’s degree will also help graphic designers be more competitive when it comes to the job market. They will also be able to command higher salaries. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers can make between $50,000 and more than $100,000 per year, depending on what type of position they hold in the field.

Related:

10 Top Online Associates in Graphic Design

2023 Guide to the Best Online Masters In Digital Marketing

Ready to start your journey?